The Interuniversity Inauguration of the Academic Year 2024/2025 in the European City of Science Katowice 2024, which is one of the most important events of the academic year, will take place on 27 September. However, before this happens, Katowice has become a meeting place for the most outstanding and talented young people from 40 countries around the world. From 9 to 14 September 2024, the University of Silesia, leader of the Academic Consortium Katowice City of Science, was the host of two prestigious events: EUCYS and EU TalentOn, which were accompanied by the slogan ‘Bright young minds’. For the first time in history, the capital of Upper Silesia was hosting the most talented young minds, who competed and cooperated to find solutions to the most complex global challenges for three days.
EU TalentOn – Innovation and Cooperation
EU TalentOn is a unique event, which took place in the modern space of spinPLACE – Centre for Creativity and Coworking of the University of Silesia. It is a place that was designed to support innovation and interdisciplinarity. Participants had access to advanced laboratories, coworking spaces and discussion zones perfect for the exchange of ideas. Participants’ projects are available at: https://eutalenton2024.eu/mission-arenas/.
The event was attended by 99 young scientists from 24 countries who, in international teams, worked on solutions in five key areas corresponding to the missions of the European Union:
- Adaptation to climate change
- Cancer prevention and care
- Ocean protection
- Climate-neutral and smart cities
- Healthy soil and food
TalentOnis not only a chance to compete, but also an opportunity to pursue personal development, as well as to learn and cooperate with peers and experts from various fields. The prize pool in the contest was EUR 75,000, of which the main prize in the contest was EUR 12,000 for the best research project.
EUCYS 2024 – Prestigious Contest for Young Scientists
At the same time, the final of EUCYS 2024 (European Union Contest for Young Scientists) was held in Katowice. It is a prestigious contest that has been attracting the most talented young researchers from all over Europe and beyond for years. For the first time in history, the final of this event took place in Katowice, and the University of Silesia hosted 147 school and university students aged 14 to 20, who presented their original scientific projects in categories such as natural sciences, mathematics, technology, economics and social sciences. Participants’ projects are available at: https://eucyskatowice2024.eu/projects/.
EUCYS participants had the opportunity to present their ideas to an international jury composed of outstanding experts from all over Europe. This event was not only an opportunity to gain recognition and valuable prizes, but also to establish international cooperation and exchange experiences.
The opening ceremony of the EUCYS final was broadcast online on YouTube.
The final
The final of both contests took place at the Silesian Museum on 13 September: EUCYS at 2.00 p.m. and TalentOn at 5.00 p.m. Participants had the opportunity to present the results of their work to a wide audience, including representatives of the European Commission and leading scientific institutions.
The closing ceremony of EUCYS and EU TalentOn was broadcast online.
Katowice 2024 – European City of Science
EUCYS and EU TalentOn are part of the initiatives implemented as part of the European City of Science Katowice 2024, the events of which are still ongoing. The schedule of events, including 50 Weeks in the City of Science, can be found at: https://miastonauki.pl/miasto-region-akademia.
Cooperation with young scientists from around the world is not only prestigious for the University of Silesia and the entire consortium of Silesian universities, but also a unique opportunity to build international ties and promote Katowice as an important academic centre. Residents of the region will be able to see how the young generation is changing the world.
